For over a decade at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival Wacken Open Air, independent metal bands from around the globe have been performing in front of thousands and competing against one another for one to be crowned champion of the world along with winning multiple prizes (prizes info).

For the second year, Wacken Metal Battle USA returned to America hosting battles in Los Angeles, San Diego, Philadelphia, Orlando and Tampa Bay. During the months of March and April over 50 bands competed in qualifying rounds with the final three now selected Withering Earth (Florida Winner), Eyes of The Living (East Coast Winner – Philly) and Voices of Ruin (California Winner). All will come together in Los Angeles on May 26th at The Viper Room for one to rule them all and be crowned USA champion and perform at the 2018 Wacken Open Air taking place from August 2nd – 4th in Wacken, Germany.

In addition to the three finalist bands performing, the national final will host special guest headliner, Los Angeles old-school metal legends Bitch.

Last year’s battles saw the best from the Philadelphia and Boston areas, Corpse Hoarder, Goblet, Power Theory, and Upheaval perform in the national final. Crowned champions were Philadelphia’s Corpse Hoarder whom performed a furious set at the 2017 Wacken Open Air.

Wacken Metal Battle USA is part of an international competition that sees bands from across the country battle each other for the chance of winning their spot among 29 other countries’ champions, and representing the USA in an international battle of the bands at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival: Wacken Open Air, which has been taking place in Wacken , Germany for the last 28 years. The winner of Wacken Metal Battle USA will perform at the 2018 festival taking place from August 2nd – 4th.

How it works:

Participating cities will host qualifying rounds plus a city final organized by a local city concert promoter where one band will move forward to the American national final in New York City (date to be determined). The winner of the national final will move on to perform at the 29th edition of Wacken Open Air, and compete against the winners of 29 other countries in a final global battle. All bands will be judged during battle rounds by respected local music industry representatives.